Surrey counselling clinic to benefit students, parents
David Paterson, Associate Dean, Education (SFU), 778.782.3641, dpaterso@sfu.ca
Doug Strachan, Communication Services (Surrey School District), 604.599.7468, Strachan_D@sd36.bc.ca
Surrey school district students and their parents will soon have access to a range of counselling services through a unique initiative involving Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Education and the Surrey school district.
The clinic will be established in an L.A. Matheson secondary school classroom in January 2009. Services will initially be available only in English; however, plans are to provide services in other languages in the future.
SFU Faculty of Education will provide counsellors—qualified staff and graduate students who are conducting their practicum—while the school district is contributing the clinic facilities, including renovations to create private rooms.
“This clinic is an innovative idea that works on many levels and our board is proud to support it,” says Surrey Board of Education chair Reni Masi.
“Counselling promotes the mental health of individuals and families and this often also addresses barriers or hindrances to student learning. At the same time, graduate students have an opportunity to grow and beyond this, excess school capacity is put to good use.”
David Paterson, SFU’s associate dean of education, says the new centre is the result of a collaborative effort by the school district, SFU’s Surrey campus, and members of the public. “This is a good news story and we are delighted to be opening very soon.”
Initially, the clinic will provide scheduled appointments only. Counselling services will be available for a range of personal issues, including parenting, bereavement, depression, anxiety, bullying and sexual orientation.
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